KSRelief readies urgent response plan for Hodeidah

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has readied an urgent response plan as the Yemeni Army, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, tightens its grip on Hodeidah.

The plan involves sending specialized medical teams to the port city, and intensifying humanitarian and relief aid, Dr. Abdullah Al-Moallem, director for health and environmental aid at KSRelief, said on Sunday.

The army took control of Hodeidah’s airport on Saturday, and is continuing an offensive to liberate the city from Iran-backed Houthi militants.

“We have our comprehensive plan ready, and with the liberation we’ll help with medical supplies and equipment, extending full support to government hospitals” and “providing much-needed assistance to distressed people in the area,” Al-Moallem told Arab News. “KSRelief will provide health services to all Yemenis without any discrimination.”

In addition to a food security plan, medical supplies will be sent by sea, air and land, with shipped supplies being delivered from the Saudi port of Jazan to Hodeidah, he said.

Moreover, a KSRelief specialized medical team comprising 25 doctors is revisiting Marib governorate to provide health services to all Yemenis without discrimination, he added.

Meanwhile, the center continued distributing food baskets in Al-Khokha and Hayes districts of Hodeidah, benefiting 690 displaced people. The distribution is part of the 262 Saudi humanitarian projects in Yemen.

Moreover, the coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government launched a comprehensive plan for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid through Hodeidah port.

The plan entails sending food and medicines by sea, air and land, said Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSRelief. “Medical teams are ready to reach and support families and children in need,” he added.

Engineering teams are clearing Hodeidah’s airport and its surroundings of mines and explosive devices, said the Yemeni Army’s media center.

Saudi Crown Prince meets Chinese vice premier

Updated 22 February 2019

ARAB NEWS

February 22, 2019 10:04

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng at the Great Hall of the People on Friday before attending a China-Saudi cooperation forum.
The forum was followed by a ceremony to sign agreements including those on petroleum, the chemical industry, investment, renewable energy and anti-terrorism.
Saudi Arabia is one of China’s top crude oil suppliers and an important market for its exports. Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later on Friday.
The Crown Prince’s visit is the third leg of his Asia tour, which has taken him to India and Pakistan.